As he moved closer, he tilted his head so she could see his eyes. “Coffee.”
She didn’t ask if he needed room for cream or if he wanted sugar to go with it. She knew he drank his coffee black, so Bailey flashed a smile and turned to the coffee machine, grabbing the fresh pot and pouring a large foam cup full before placing a lid on it.
He was waiting at the register counter when she finished.
“Anything else?”
“You doin’ okay?”
His question surprised her, but she managed a nod. She was exhausted, but she wasn’t really in a chatty mood. For whatever reason, things felt off between her and Rafe. She wasn’t sure if it was the argument they’d had yesterday morning or the fact that she’d been disappointed when he didn’t invite her to stay at his apartment last night when she didn’t have a place to go.
Not that she had any right to insinuate herself into his personal space, but his lack of offer had felt intentional. As though he didn’t want her to be that close.
She entered the cost of the coffee into the register and waited for him to swipe his credit card. Refusing to look at his face, she stared at his hands as his words from yesterday reverberated in her head.
I’m not gonna be your fallback guy, Bailey. It’s not my fault your relationship didn’t work.
As had been the case when he said them, Bailey felt the echo of pain in her chest. Somewhere in the vicinity of her heart.
“Thanks for stoppin’ in,” she told him, forcing her customer service smile. “Have a great day.
Rafe’s gaze swung over her face, lingering long enough to make her want to fidget, but she managed to refrain. Instead, she directed her attention to organizing the napkin holder on the counter before turning toward the back. Part of her expected him to call out her name, but the only sound she heard was the jingle of the bells over the door as he left.
Her chin wobbled, but she fought back the tears. Good thing, too, since her mother was waiting for her when she made it to the kitchen.
Ramona’s eyebrows were lifted, and she was pointing at Bailey’s suitcase, which was no longer hidden beneath the table but at her mother’s feet.
“Care to explain?”
Not really, no.But she did anyway. “I moved out of Seth’s house.”
“What? Why?”
Bailey shook her head. “We’ve been havin’ problems for a while. It was time.”
“When was this?”
“Last night.” She wrung her hands together. “Or this mornin’. I walked here from his house.”
“Bailey Anne Weber…” Her mother clenched her teeth together to hold back the tirade that she was eager to let loose.
“I’m fine, Mom. I promise.”
Her mother put her hands on her hips and took a deep breath. “Although I can’t say I’m disappointed you dumped him, I hope you don’t think you can camp out here, honey.”
She shook her head quickly. “No. Definitely not.” She managed a smile. “I got the manager job at the B and B. It comes with room and board. I’ll be living there.”
“Oh, honey!” Her mother moved toward her. “That’s fantastic news. I know how much you wanted that job.”
Bailey accepted her mother’s hug and forced her thoughts on her new job and the promising future ahead. If she didn’t, there was a good chance she would break down and cry on her mother’s shoulder.
“Speaking of the B and B…” Bailey pulled back. “I need to head over there and talk to Rex.” She pointed at her suitcase. “Would you mind if I keep that here for now? I promise I won’t sleep here again.”
Her mother’s light brown eyes swept over her face, again scrutinizing, looking for untruths.
“I won’t be gone long, I promise.”
Ramona finally nodded.
